Reynolds backs IPERS study, but task force is dropped

Gov. Kim Reynolds said Tuesday she supports a legislative committee's fact-finding inquiry into Iowa's underfunded public employees' pension funds, but she indicated plans have been dropped for a task force to recommend changes in retirement programs.

Former Gov. Terry Branstad said in January he intended to appoint a panel of experts to review the long-term financial health of the Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System, as well as smaller pension funds for law enforcement officers, firefighters and the judicial branch. The funds face billions of dollars in long-term unfunded liabilities.

But the task force wasn't established before Branstad resigned in May to become U.S. ambassador to China, and Reynolds told reporters Tuesday she is focused on other priorities. These include creating a competitive business environment, having an innovative energy policy, and helping Iowans obtain an education and skills for good-paying jobs, she said.

Reynolds noted that Sen. Charles Schneider, R-West Des Moines, is currently heading an interim committee's study of Iowa's public employees' pension funds. The work is being conducted in cooperation with the Reason Foundation, a Los Angeles-based libertarian think tank.

Read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2017/07/18/reynolds-backs-ipers-study-but-task-force-dropped/487913001/